I was a bit apprehensive coming up to the test. A minor toe injury followed by a nasty bug heavily curtailed my training. I debated holding off until the winter, but decided to go and do it. I asked that the test not be made easier for my sake.
The day of the test I took off from work. I slept in, went to the ophthalmologist, then took another nap. I ate fish protein, real whole grain bread, simple nuts and cranberries. Ninety minutes before the test I got on my bike and cycled the four miles to the gym, taking my time except for one brief period of sprinting through traffic. I arrived feeling not my perfect best, but the best I had been in a long time.
I spent about an hour warming up. So by the time the test began my body was loose and limber. I was ready to go.
The first 30-40 minutes was rough. A really fast paced mix of strikes, movement, and forms. I kept my composure and focused on quality technique rather than speed or ferocity. I messed up a couple combination techniques, but at least the messed up techniques were done correctly, right?
We went to aerial kicks. These are a massive endurance drain. Yet all those endless repetitions paid off, and I fell into an easy rhythm. I felt strong and powerful, and I could have done this forever.
Falling drills make me dizzy to begin with because spinning affects me, add in new contact lenses and recovery from illness and I wondered if I was going to pass out. If you saw me jumping up or down at that part of the test that was me trying to clear my brain.
Forms came next. When I did the 3rd dan form by myself I made a couple minor mistakes but the techniques I executed felt crisp, fast, and strong. My 3rd dan co-tester Dave S did one of the better displays of the 2nd dan form I've ever seen - it exuded raw power. Since the English name of the form is 'Diamond Mountain' that he put so much power into it was awesome.
Self-defense followed, and here I was at a disadvantage. For self-defense I rely on a mix of Eskrima and Muay Thai, and the self-defense here was supposed to be different. You couldn't mix in strikes, just use turns, twists, and locks like in Hapkido (or Aikido). I tossed Dave a bit, and got tossed some as well.
In sparring I couldn't get warmed up. I haven't practiced it enough recently, so it took me a bit to get warmed up. Until the end I fought in pure linear fashion. I got scored against more than I like, but near the end I was starting to mix in much better footwork. I used punches as pushes which is a big no-no, but I did manage to land some nice kicks.
For breaking none of the strikes was a challenge except the first one, a round kick ball of foot strike. And turns out that was pretty easy too. I should have insisted on much more impressive breaks, but didn't handle that part of things so well.
And that was the test. I wish I hadn't been sick right before the test but I think I did fine. As for the others, Dave S did smashingly well, Lila was predictably awesome, and everyone else's effort was strong. I am most proud of my student Henry, because even though he was nervous he kept his composure and looked strong.
Did I pass? I don't know yet, and I am patient about finding out. That I could go and do this and do it well is what was important to me. I will be honored if I succeeded and I will work to improve myself regardless of how my performance was judged. That said, receiving the approval of my teachers, who were the ones who graded me, is no small thing.
Thanks to these people for their support on this whole thing: Mom, Dad, Seth, Joseph, Katie, Dave S, Chris, all my other friends, all my students and their families, my trainers Andrew and Samantha, and my teachers, Dave L, Mohammed, and Master Ron.
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gym. Show all posts
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Belt test update
First off, I'm getting off being rather sick for nearly a week. My endurance is shot, I've lost some strength, and I didn't get the chance to fine tune some of the techniques. Unlike some places, our high level tests are grueling and hard. So I have serious concerns about testing at this time. Therefore, I reserve the right to not test, and will probably make the call Thursday night.
Second, the time for the start of the test (if I go forward with it) is 6pm. Again, seating is limited so either come a little early or bring your own chair. Senior citizens do get preference, but if there are a lot of senior citizens...
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: 6408 Williamsburg, Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-536-9495
update: Oops, corrected title error from 'best' to 'belt'. Ha ha.
Second, the time for the start of the test (if I go forward with it) is 6pm. Again, seating is limited so either come a little early or bring your own chair. Senior citizens do get preference, but if there are a lot of senior citizens...
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: 6408 Williamsburg, Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-536-9495
update: Oops, corrected title error from 'best' to 'belt'. Ha ha.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Belt test this Friday!
This Friday I'll be testing for my third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. The details if you want to come and watch me kick, punch, stomp, and scream in a set of angry white pajamas:
Time: tentatively 4:45pm
Location: 6408 Williamsburg, Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-536-9495
Just so you know, there will be a lot of people coming to watch. A number of my students and fellow martial artists will be there to watch and provide support. Others will be testing so their families and friends will be there. So if you want a chair to sit in, I suggest you come early or bring your own.
Also, the test can go on for a long, long time. This test will go on for hours. Feel free to bring a snack and drink. If you need to leave early, that is perfectivly acceptable.
Cameras are allowed and encouraged!
Time: tentatively 4:45pm
Location: 6408 Williamsburg, Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-536-9495
Just so you know, there will be a lot of people coming to watch. A number of my students and fellow martial artists will be there to watch and provide support. Others will be testing so their families and friends will be there. So if you want a chair to sit in, I suggest you come early or bring your own.
Also, the test can go on for a long, long time. This test will go on for hours. Feel free to bring a snack and drink. If you need to leave early, that is perfectivly acceptable.
Cameras are allowed and encouraged!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Training Schedule
My plans in January for getting ready were stymied a bit. Not that I haven't worked out, because I have. In fact, I am in phenomenal shape, even if at the moment I am fighting off the summer flu. So how are my goals coming along?
Drop some weight.
Did not manage it. On the other hand, I look like I lost weight. What I did is put on muscle in my legs, core, and torso, and secondarily in my shoulders and arms.
Get faster. Much faster.
I am faster now. When I get a few days off to recover I'm pretty snappy quick.
Increase endurance.
The cycling, extra weights, and extra martial arts paid off. Especially the cycling. I can go a long, long time at full speed.
Improve technique.
Most of my strikes and stances are pretty good. I wish my stances were better, but I'll never be happy there.
Make the test look easy.
I've got the strength, speed, and endurance that I want. My technique is pretty crisp too.
Drop some weight.
Did not manage it. On the other hand, I look like I lost weight. What I did is put on muscle in my legs, core, and torso, and secondarily in my shoulders and arms.
Get faster. Much faster.
I am faster now. When I get a few days off to recover I'm pretty snappy quick.
Increase endurance.
The cycling, extra weights, and extra martial arts paid off. Especially the cycling. I can go a long, long time at full speed.
Improve technique.
Most of my strikes and stances are pretty good. I wish my stances were better, but I'll never be happy there.
Make the test look easy.
I've got the strength, speed, and endurance that I want. My technique is pretty crisp too.
Friday, January 16, 2009
My current training schedule
In June I'm planning to test for my 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I'll quickly discuss my goals, diet, and training regimen.
Goals:
Drop some weight.
If I can lose 10 pounds by June and do it on top of my other goals, then that makes the other goals much more achievable.
Get faster. Much faster.
I used to be a very fast person. My reflexes were really good. My current speed is not bad but it could be so much faster. I aim to achieve my old speed yet again.
Increase endurance.
The cycling has been useful, but I need to supplement it. And come up with alternatives when the weather/work prevents.
Improve technique.
Everyone says I do things well. But I know my own weaknesses. My back kicks are actually turning side kicks. I have trouble delivering power on high round kicks. I do my spin kicks on the balls of my feet. And so much more.
Make the test look easy.
Our school's black belt tests are quite challenging. We are not a belt factory. People sweat gallons, get sick, weep, and that is in just the first hour. I want to make the other testers look like novices.
Diet:
Eat Less.
I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On workout days I'll eat a snack of nuts and dried fruit two hours before the fun begins.
Muscle Replenishment.
I am sore often so I make do with more protein and potassium.
Eat Better.
No more chips. Fruits and vegetables. More fish and less of other kinds of meat.
Training Regimen
Core Fitness.
On Mondays I meet with Ron Boykin for an hour doing weights and various other exercises focusing mostly on upper body and core. He has started to work my legs, which is good because cycling only hits a part of them.
I also do this on my own on Saturday. In addition to following a rough sort of plan, Ron Boykin got me hooked on jumping rope, which I can do forever if there is music.
Martial Arts.
Except for Friday I do at least 2 hours a day. Although the test is on Tae Kwon Do, I am also cross training with my old favorites of Boxing and Muay Thai, plus a bit of weapons work. A quick chart of who I am crediting as being trainers:
I need a new bike but I am getting in a few miles here and there. My hope is that I'll be ramping this up getting towards June. My plan is to bike to work one day, then bike back home the next day. This will prevent overtraining in this one area.
Goals:
Drop some weight.
If I can lose 10 pounds by June and do it on top of my other goals, then that makes the other goals much more achievable.
Get faster. Much faster.
I used to be a very fast person. My reflexes were really good. My current speed is not bad but it could be so much faster. I aim to achieve my old speed yet again.
Increase endurance.
The cycling has been useful, but I need to supplement it. And come up with alternatives when the weather/work prevents.
Improve technique.
Everyone says I do things well. But I know my own weaknesses. My back kicks are actually turning side kicks. I have trouble delivering power on high round kicks. I do my spin kicks on the balls of my feet. And so much more.
Make the test look easy.
Our school's black belt tests are quite challenging. We are not a belt factory. People sweat gallons, get sick, weep, and that is in just the first hour. I want to make the other testers look like novices.
Diet:
Eat Less.
I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On workout days I'll eat a snack of nuts and dried fruit two hours before the fun begins.
Muscle Replenishment.
I am sore often so I make do with more protein and potassium.
Eat Better.
No more chips. Fruits and vegetables. More fish and less of other kinds of meat.
Training Regimen
Core Fitness.
On Mondays I meet with Ron Boykin for an hour doing weights and various other exercises focusing mostly on upper body and core. He has started to work my legs, which is good because cycling only hits a part of them.
I also do this on my own on Saturday. In addition to following a rough sort of plan, Ron Boykin got me hooked on jumping rope, which I can do forever if there is music.
Martial Arts.
Except for Friday I do at least 2 hours a day. Although the test is on Tae Kwon Do, I am also cross training with my old favorites of Boxing and Muay Thai, plus a bit of weapons work. A quick chart of who I am crediting as being trainers:
- Tae Kwon Do: Mohammed Husseini (Striking), Dave Lutes (Forms and footwork)
- Muay Thai: Andrew Goldfarb
- Boxing: Ron Boykin, Andrew Goldfarb
- Weapons: Ron Boykin, Scott Muzinski
I need a new bike but I am getting in a few miles here and there. My hope is that I'll be ramping this up getting towards June. My plan is to bike to work one day, then bike back home the next day. This will prevent overtraining in this one area.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Recap of 2008
- I went to Chicago for the first time. The architecture was beautiful. The local food was quite good, nearly as good as the Neapolitan fare I had in 2007.
- Cycled through New York City and reconnected with old family relations.
- Kept up with the martial arts. Competed twice.
- Almost up to 5 years without a broken bone!!!
- Worked another year with Python and Plone. Started to work professionally with Django.
- Stayed with NASA. Managed to see my team evolve into a group that doesn't make me want to pull out my non-existent hair.
- Launched our big project at work (http://nasascience.nasa.gov)
- Got my son into physical fitness again.
- Shaved my head.
- Got our finances more in order.
- Helped shepherd my students forward for the most part. I'm so proud of them.
- Didn't lose anyone close to me.
- Worked with Alex Clark to launch Take Back the Tap.
- Helped support Food and Water Watch.
- Lasted another year (4 years) at NASA.
- Had a painful kidney ailment in the spring that was a combination of bruising and dehydration.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
2009 Saturday class schedule is formally confirmed!
My proposed class schedule for Saturday morning classes has been approved. It will go onto the web site shortly. I first blogged about it at the start of this month. The specifics class structure will be:
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Core Fundamentals (open to all students)
This will be the practice of TKD forms and the individual elements which make up movements in the forms. So we'll go over not just the pattern of the form, but also practice proper stances, how to do the hand techniques correctly, as well as interpretation of what the movements of the forms mean.
10:45 AM to Noon Intermediate Class (open to all students)
This will be about striking and footwork. The first fifteen minutes will be a warm-up led by a black belt student for which the participants of the previous class will be exempt. The majority of the class will involve work against heavy bags, kicking shields, and punching targets with footwork and general strength training mixed in.
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Core Fundamentals (open to all students)
This will be the practice of TKD forms and the individual elements which make up movements in the forms. So we'll go over not just the pattern of the form, but also practice proper stances, how to do the hand techniques correctly, as well as interpretation of what the movements of the forms mean.
10:45 AM to Noon Intermediate Class (open to all students)
This will be about striking and footwork. The first fifteen minutes will be a warm-up led by a black belt student for which the participants of the previous class will be exempt. The majority of the class will involve work against heavy bags, kicking shields, and punching targets with footwork and general strength training mixed in.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Training notes
- Fixed my diet. No more junk food or snacks!
- Next week I start my weight lifting regimen in earnest.
- Side kicks looking sharper.
- Round kicks at face level with power.
- Really working to launch all kicks from the balls of my feet.
- Need to get light gloves for bag work. Can't afford sore hands during my day job.
- Six months from about right now!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My saturday class plans for 2009
After running the same sort of Saturday class for several years I've decided to stir things up. Much as I like the current way of doing things, I have new goals in 2009 for myself and students. New planned schedule:
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Forms class (open to all students)
This will be the practice of TKD forms and the individual elements which make up movements in the forms. So we'll go over not just the pattern of the form, but also practice proper stances, how to do the hand techniques correctly, as well as interpretation of what the movements of the forms mean.
10:45 AM to Noon Striking class (open to all students)
This will be about heavy contact striking. The first fifteen minutes will be a warm-up led by a teen/adult black belt student for which forms class participants will be exempt. The majority of the class will involve work against heavy bags, kicking shields, and punching targets with footwork and general strength training mixed in.
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Forms class (open to all students)
This will be the practice of TKD forms and the individual elements which make up movements in the forms. So we'll go over not just the pattern of the form, but also practice proper stances, how to do the hand techniques correctly, as well as interpretation of what the movements of the forms mean.
10:45 AM to Noon Striking class (open to all students)
This will be about heavy contact striking. The first fifteen minutes will be a warm-up led by a teen/adult black belt student for which forms class participants will be exempt. The majority of the class will involve work against heavy bags, kicking shields, and punching targets with footwork and general strength training mixed in.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fitness update
Me
So I started lifting weights again on my birthday after a month-long hiatus. Had to do it because I didn't like my arms feeling rubbery when I did't flex them. I completely changed my routine, focusing mostly on freeweights, starting with as heavy as I can go on something for a full set and then doing secondary and tertiary sets with lighter weights, with the later exercises including auxiliary muscle work. I'm liking the results a lot.
Now that he's started up again, I train in TKD every time the kid trains. Its nice not to be a teacher and just focus on me for a few hours each week. On the plus side, to get a full workout I need to bike from work (12 miles) then train or the class is too easy. This is a good thing especially since...
As of December 2007 I'm eligible to test for my 3rd degree black belt in TKD. I'm not sure I'm going to do it, but I'm thinking about. I plan to make a decision by the end of this month, August 2008.
As for cycling, trying to do it every day except mapbe fridays. My bike has issues, like a seat that won't adjust, so I may have to get a new bike. I've got my eyes open on craiglist for something nearby that is affordable. Next month I do 102 miles in NYC with JSR and my brother.
Kid
He's going to the gym with his mom for treadmill and cycling work. He also rides his bike a lot. And he has decided in TKD he wants to double test in October. He'll have to work hard or that because that he could fail and onl get one belt.
He has a couple pending free personal training sessions he can use. I want him to do these because he ought to be doing weights. But I'm making a point of not pushing him.
Jen
Cycling and treadmilling plus now circuit training. Woot!
So I started lifting weights again on my birthday after a month-long hiatus. Had to do it because I didn't like my arms feeling rubbery when I did't flex them. I completely changed my routine, focusing mostly on freeweights, starting with as heavy as I can go on something for a full set and then doing secondary and tertiary sets with lighter weights, with the later exercises including auxiliary muscle work. I'm liking the results a lot.
Now that he's started up again, I train in TKD every time the kid trains. Its nice not to be a teacher and just focus on me for a few hours each week. On the plus side, to get a full workout I need to bike from work (12 miles) then train or the class is too easy. This is a good thing especially since...
As of December 2007 I'm eligible to test for my 3rd degree black belt in TKD. I'm not sure I'm going to do it, but I'm thinking about. I plan to make a decision by the end of this month, August 2008.
As for cycling, trying to do it every day except mapbe fridays. My bike has issues, like a seat that won't adjust, so I may have to get a new bike. I've got my eyes open on craiglist for something nearby that is affordable. Next month I do 102 miles in NYC with JSR and my brother.
Kid
He's going to the gym with his mom for treadmill and cycling work. He also rides his bike a lot. And he has decided in TKD he wants to double test in October. He'll have to work hard or that because that he could fail and onl get one belt.
He has a couple pending free personal training sessions he can use. I want him to do these because he ought to be doing weights. But I'm making a point of not pushing him.
Jen
Cycling and treadmilling plus now circuit training. Woot!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Taught my son yesterday
He's been doing a lot more cycling and has started back up with Tae Kwon Do, albeit from the beginning. So far he's gone with me to one of my teacher's classes on monday nights with me. He really enjoys it, although he has trouble with the warm ups, but that will come with time.
So yesterday, on a Tuesday, he came to my teen class. I treated him like any other beginner, which meant a focus for part of the class on falling. My classes have a lot of falling and tumbling, and also get into sparring and a lot of rough contact. It will be months before he will be ready for that stuff in full, but this is the start.
He prefers the other class. That doesn't surprise me, since my class is limited to just 45 minutes and I have to cook in everything I can in that limited amount of time. Also, the falling part is different and a bit uncomfortable for him.
So yesterday, on a Tuesday, he came to my teen class. I treated him like any other beginner, which meant a focus for part of the class on falling. My classes have a lot of falling and tumbling, and also get into sparring and a lot of rough contact. It will be months before he will be ready for that stuff in full, but this is the start.
He prefers the other class. That doesn't surprise me, since my class is limited to just 45 minutes and I have to cook in everything I can in that limited amount of time. Also, the falling part is different and a bit uncomfortable for him.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Condolences to the Hammers
Over a year ago I started to teach a little boy. He was enthusiastic and his parents were good people. Their kids had discipline, and yet got to be goofy enough that they were well-adjusted. The family just adores Star Wars. Eventually the little boy's sister joined and the fun continued. On the mat they are always smiling, even when I am pushing them or yelling at them.
The kids are great to have in class. The little boy is inventive and energetic. He adds flourishes whenever he can figure out how. I take the little girl and at the age of 4.5 years I have her demonstrate techniques to older kids. She might goof off sometimes but even then she is listening. I've seen the kids overcome fears, meet challenges, get stronger, faster, and learn stuff off and on the mat. They are part of what keeps me coming back to the gym to teach, because it certainly isn't the money. Its the people, and the thought that maybe in some small way my efforts will make a difference in their life.
The parents are not just nice people, but intelligent to boot. They are the sort of people who I wish were around when my son was age six or so. They are the sort of people who are witty but not sarcastic, cheerful but not dangerously so, attendant to details but not petty.
I just found out that the grandmother of the kids just passed away. She had been ill for a long time, so I guess this is a release to her and her family. Yet to lose a parent is something I can't imagine, and losing a best friend was one of the more heart-wrenching experiences of my life.
Anyway, to my knowledge I never met the grandmother, yet I was touched by her. Her daughter, her grandkids, and the man she let her daughter marry are in my life. My prayers are with her and her legacy, the wonderful people who are the Hammers.
The kids are great to have in class. The little boy is inventive and energetic. He adds flourishes whenever he can figure out how. I take the little girl and at the age of 4.5 years I have her demonstrate techniques to older kids. She might goof off sometimes but even then she is listening. I've seen the kids overcome fears, meet challenges, get stronger, faster, and learn stuff off and on the mat. They are part of what keeps me coming back to the gym to teach, because it certainly isn't the money. Its the people, and the thought that maybe in some small way my efforts will make a difference in their life.
The parents are not just nice people, but intelligent to boot. They are the sort of people who I wish were around when my son was age six or so. They are the sort of people who are witty but not sarcastic, cheerful but not dangerously so, attendant to details but not petty.
I just found out that the grandmother of the kids just passed away. She had been ill for a long time, so I guess this is a release to her and her family. Yet to lose a parent is something I can't imagine, and losing a best friend was one of the more heart-wrenching experiences of my life.
Anyway, to my knowledge I never met the grandmother, yet I was touched by her. Her daughter, her grandkids, and the man she let her daughter marry are in my life. My prayers are with her and her legacy, the wonderful people who are the Hammers.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Next time I'll read the label
So Saturday I get to the gym at around 9am. I plan to be there until 3pm. Unfortunately for the world I left my deodorant at home. So I raid someone else's unlocked locker and find a stick. I apply to my underarms and then check the label to see what brand.
The brand is Icy-Hot.
Which heats up on the skin.
I figure I'll be okay. I mean, its nice on sore muscles and stuff, so it should be okay in my armpits. It feels warm but I'm not bad off.
.
.
.
60 seconds I'm in the bathroom frantically rubbing the burning stuff off using wet paper towels and trying not to howl in anguish.
The brand is Icy-Hot.
Which heats up on the skin.
I figure I'll be okay. I mean, its nice on sore muscles and stuff, so it should be okay in my armpits. It feels warm but I'm not bad off.
.
.
.
60 seconds I'm in the bathroom frantically rubbing the burning stuff off using wet paper towels and trying not to howl in anguish.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Ramping up the excercise
The goal is to get my pants to fit better. Ha ha.
Its funny, I've heard how tiring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is, but I found the workout not that hard. And thats after two weeks of not working out and eating too much! My teacher, an old friend, agreed to ramp up the workout. On the other hand, working out in my gym has been really hard since I got back from Chicago.
With that in mind I ramped up my workout and cut back dramatically on my food intake. That means cycling at least 10 miles a day (soon that goes to 20 miles) and an increased weight-lifting regimen. Plus lots more core work. And coaching my son on exercise and doing it all with him.
I've got a leg injury that is hampering me on a lot of things. A lot of basic kicks on that leg hurt to do. Things like front and round kicks are a pain not just to do, but to also hit people/pads with. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that spin kicks don't hurt. How silly is that?
Its funny, I've heard how tiring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is, but I found the workout not that hard. And thats after two weeks of not working out and eating too much! My teacher, an old friend, agreed to ramp up the workout. On the other hand, working out in my gym has been really hard since I got back from Chicago.
With that in mind I ramped up my workout and cut back dramatically on my food intake. That means cycling at least 10 miles a day (soon that goes to 20 miles) and an increased weight-lifting regimen. Plus lots more core work. And coaching my son on exercise and doing it all with him.
I've got a leg injury that is hampering me on a lot of things. A lot of basic kicks on that leg hurt to do. Things like front and round kicks are a pain not just to do, but to also hit people/pads with. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that spin kicks don't hurt. How silly is that?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Hrm...
The kid has decided not to return to sword class. He and his mom told me 'he felt pressured'. The wife should not have intervened. She has for about 4 years vigorously defended his right to eat badly and not exercise. Its been a hard and nearly impossible battle to get him to do anything physical. I admit when we were biking this summer it was awesome, but that when he wanted to go I was already beat from doing my commute.
Anyway, he hasn't been pressured. I've got his friends in school talking about it and every time I leave to go workout I politely ask him if he wants to go.
Why do I do this?
The kid is 16. He is maybe an inch taller than me. And he outweighs me by 40 pounds and his BMI is probably around 30. That puts him at the edge of obese.
At age 16.
I worry about the long term implications of total lack of excercise combined with obesity. I want him to lose both weight and exercise, but would be delight with just one.
Anyway, he hasn't been pressured. I've got his friends in school talking about it and every time I leave to go workout I politely ask him if he wants to go.
Why do I do this?
The kid is 16. He is maybe an inch taller than me. And he outweighs me by 40 pounds and his BMI is probably around 30. That puts him at the edge of obese.
At age 16.
I worry about the long term implications of total lack of excercise combined with obesity. I want him to lose both weight and exercise, but would be delight with just one.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Gym things
- The kid wants to start up sword class again since a group of his friends are joining. But he is apprehensive since its been a while and he is afraid of not looking good in front of his friends. Also, our school is hard, and since his fitness level is not good right now I know that makes this a bit more daunting. Of course, on newbies and returning students we are a bit more gentle, but still...
- One of the senior Hapkido guys, a fully ranked master, turns out has a similiar background to me in kali, eskrima, and arnis. In fact, he trained in Maphilindo Kali just like me! So that means we'll be meeting this saturday to do some stick and knife work.
- Now that my back is recovering and I'm able to build my speed back up again, I've been asked to spar again by several people. Much as I want to do this at full effort again, I'm apprehensive about jumping in. My back is still achey at times and I want a full recovery before I risk anything. I've found that the back issue is worse than a broken bone or sprain since it impairs my mobility, flexibility, and sucks the energy out of me.
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